Jun 2, 2012

Making Your Home More Water Efficient

Water
conservation is not only important for the environment; it can save you a lot
of money as well. The good news is that it is not so difficult to make your
home more water efficient. From making sure that your pool pump is
a recirculated pump, to turning off the water in the shower while you shampoo,
here are a few effective ways to create a more water-efficient home:

Monitor
Your Water Bill

The
first step towards water efficiency is to make sure you are using only as much
water as you need. Water conservation goes hand in hand with water efficiency,
so you’ll want to make sure that you monitor your water usage on a monthly
basis. When you monitor you monthly water usage, you can analyse how your water
is being spent. You can also determine whether or not there are any leaks you
may be unaware of.

Turn Off the Water!

Without
even thinking about it, we waste water – whether it’s by keeping the water
running while brushing our teeth or leaving the tap on when washing dishes. It
is important to make a conscious effort to turn off the tap when it is not
necessary to have it on. So next time you’re shaving or washing your car, make
sure you’re only using as much water as you need.

How to Water Your Plants

Many
of us don’t realise how much water our plants need to remain healthy and
vibrant. Something as simple as planting in the wrong season can double the
amount of water your plants consume. The best time to plant is in spring, when
it’s not too hot and when springtime showers sprinkle some natural rainwater on
your plants. Also, use organic mulch as it holds in more moisture and saves
water. And always remember that over-watering kills plants more than
under-watering.

Don’t Pour Water Down the Drain

There
are a few things that you can do to save water that you may not have thought of
before. For instance, if you drop an ice cube you wanted to put in a glass of
lemonade, don’t just throw the ice-cube into the sink, throw it into a potted
plant instead. Also, keep a bucket in your shower to catch excess water. You
can then use that water for plants or even to clean items like your car tools.

Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS)

Finally,
you’ll want to make sure you buy products that have the Water Efficiency
Labelling and Standards (WELS). These labels can cut your water bill in half,
without compromising performance. By 2021, it is estimated that Australians
will save over 800,000 mega-litres of water thanks to conservation schemes like
WELS.

Making
your home more water efficient can seem like a difficult endeavour at first,
but if you implement these water-saving tactics you will be saving money on
your utility bills and helping the environment.